Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of nineteenth-century Russian romanticism with "Balakirev & Rimsky-Korsakov: Piano Concertos" by The Orchestra Of Opera North. Released in 1993 under the Hyperion label, this album is a captivating exploration of two piano concertos that showcase the brilliance of Russian romantic music.
The album features the Piano Concerto in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 30 by Mily Balakirev and the Piano Concerto No. 1 in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 1 by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, along with Rimsky-Korsakov's Piano Concerto No. 2 in E-Flat Major, Op. posth. The performances are brought to life by the skilled hands of pianist Malcolm Binns and the English Northern Philharmonia, conducted by David Lloyd-Jones.
Spanning a duration of one hour, this album is a testament to the intricate compositions and emotional depth of Balakirev and Rimsky-Korsakov. The Piano Concerto in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 30 is a three-movement work that begins with a Moderato – Allegretto quasi polacca, followed by an Andante mosso, and concludes with an Allegro. The Piano Concerto No. 1 in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 1 and Piano Concerto No. 2 in E-Flat Major, Op. posth. each consist of three movements, offering a diverse range of musical expressions.
This album is a must-listen for enthusiasts of classical and romantic music, providing a profound insight into the works of two of Russia's most influential composers. The Orchestra Of Opera North delivers a performance that is both technically impressive and emotionally resonant, making this album a valuable addition to any classical music collection.